ABQ Times

Since late 2024, there has been considerable public interest in the future of the New Mexico State Fair and its fairgrounds. This follows Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's discussion on potentially relocating the fair and revitalizing the current grounds in Bernalillo County. The state’s General Services Department released a $500,000 request for proposal (RFP) on March 6, 2025, for consultants to create a master plan for the area’s future. The General Services Division is responsible for selecting the consultant.

On its website, the state mentions "substantial potential to increase the usage of the State Fairgrounds on a year-round basis." State Senator Mimi Stewart has also been a proponent of significant revitalization, advocating for “a mixed-use, mixed-income, walkable, green space-filled neighborhood.” She sponsored Senate Bill 481, awaiting the governor’s signature, which would create a State Fairgrounds District to finance redevelopment based on the master plan’s findings.

Senate Bill 481, if signed, will define the boundaries of this new district as the State Fairgrounds. The bill allows for a property tax levy and authorizes issuing up to $500 million in bonds for infrastructure projects, managed by a board of seven elected officials or their designees. Bernalillo County, although not directly governing the fairgrounds, may be involved in permitting private development on the land since it is technically in an unincorporated area of the county.

The state's RFP for a master plan has submissions due by April 18, with a contract award scheduled for May 9. While there is no confirmed location for the potential new fairgrounds, $14 million has been approved for infrastructure improvements and site acquisition.

The creation of a State Fairgrounds District could retain tax revenue from the district for infrastructure development, needing approval from state entities to issue bonds for quicker development. A public meeting will address the public’s input once a master-plan developer is selected, with a draft expected by fall 2025 and a finalized plan by early 2026.

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